Rooks crash out of cup

Worthing will now face Brighton & Hove Albion reserves in the final at Eastbourne Borough's ground.

The Rebels are battling against relegation from the Ryman Premier but on the night they thoroughly deserved their victory against a lacklustre Rooks's outfit.

Lewes manager Steve King put out the strongest side available with new signing Matthew Hislop from Queens Park Rangers making his debut at left back.

Midfielder Gary Holloway was missing through suspension and his value to the team was all too obvious as the Rooks lacked command in this area of the pitch with captain Paul Kennett having a rare off day.

Former Lewes player Danny Davis was missing for Worthing through injury, but ex-Rooks Mark Knee and Sam Francis were to take a major hand in their victory.

Knee was sent off last season when Lewes beat Worthing 3-1 in the semi-final of this competition, but he had his revenge when he netted the winner on 63 minutes, beating goalkeeper Steve Williams at his near post.

The Rebels had gone ahead near half-time when Ben Andrews outjumped the Lewes defence to head in.

Lewes were quickly level as Craig O'Connor fired home from the edge of the penalty area.

Lewes: Williams, Elliott (Farrell), Hislop (Legge), Robinson, Simpemba, Drury, Kennett, Wormull, O'Connor, Booth (Sigere), Cade. Unused subs: Diogo, Kadi.

Tomorrow the Rooks pursue their faint league playoff chances with a trip to sixth-placed Welling when Holloway is again suspended. Welling were due to play Thurrock last night (Thursday).